Rick Ankiel wowed everyone at Nationals Park last night with his sixth-inning throw.

In the five years since he successfully returned to the major leagues as a position player after seeing his pitching career come to a screeching halt, Rick Ankiel has dazzled onlookers plenty of times with remarkable throws from the outfield.

But Ankiel might have topped himself last night with a throw that won't soon be forgotten around the Nationals' clubhouse.

Even more remarkable, it didn't result in a baserunner getting thrown out or scoring.

The situation: With the bases loaded and nobody out in the top of the sixth, Astros cleanup hitter Carlos Lee sent a flyball to medium-deep center field. Standing on third base, Jordan Schafer tried to pretend he was going to tag up, but he knew better than to test the mightyRead more »

If only Schafer had tried to score, we would have been looking at one of the plays of the year. My seats are right behind home plate in 314. That was a thing of beauty to watch. Worth the price of admission right there.

Mark Z.If you get a chance, last night Stras mentioned he thought he was tipping pitches because the Astros would get a guy on second and might have been relaying signs. Any more to this? Was he actually tipping or were the Stros just stealing signs?

Wow. Easily found online under "Ankiel's throw". The beauty of it is he played the natural curve on the throw to have it hit Ramos perfectly. That'll cause runners in the entire league, not just the Nats clubhouse, to take pause next time they think of running.

"The Throw" is still Bo Jackson in 1989, nailing Harold Reynolds. But this was very good.Davey was interesting in the postgame. He mentioned that SS thought he might be tipping pitches to the runner on second, and then Davey looked like he thought "Whoops. I should not have said that!" and added "…or maybe they were just guessing right."

I was wondering the other night in that extra innings game against the Reds that had the Nats burning thru the bullpen…if the game went 15 or more innings, and ran out of pitchers and had to ask a position player to pitch (it happens), would Davey ask Ankiel to take the mound? And would Rick agree?1st Base Coach

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said… "The Throw" is still Bo Jackson in 1989, nailing Harold Reynolds. But this was very good.You know, I kind of remember this…Bo Jackson if he stayed healthy could have been a HOF in two sports…

Following up on some comments from previous posts, I'll weigh in with:- my family likes the wave and I'm proud of it. (20,000 people working together to have some fun is not a bad thing)- Terrance is awesome (Clint not so much) – not only does he help get the crowd going, he works very hard – commendable.- I like the girl cheerleaders too. Lighten up.- Ankiel's arm is only one of his remarkable tools. He's a pretty smart baserunner too. – Lombardozzi deserves more playing time, but Espinosa is not (yet) deserving of less. Too much talent and nattitude to waste.- Pretty cool when Strasburg can pitch a strong game and it's not the lead story. This is not a one trick pony. Lots of talent on this team.That is all.

I, too, sit in Section 314. When Ankiel unleashed 'the Throw', I couldn't figure out who he was throwing to. It was not to the cutoff man. It wasn't until it had crossed the pitcher's mound that I realized he had thrown a perfect strike home. Simply amazing!

MicheleS, I heard Stras's interview and thought he blamed himself for tipping pitches and went on to say that the batters looked comfortable with men on 2nd.Did he actually say they were stealing signs or are you reading between the lines? I kind of thought the same thing but didn't want to say it.

Clu Gulager said… Perhaps Lombardozzi is the next Pete Rose. A second-baseman who became a star in left-field. April 17, 2012 9:43 AM ——-I don't think he is the next Pete Rose. Davey should really think about putting Lombo in LF against Wandy. While we are all thinking that, Nady probably gets 2 big hits for Davey.I would expect Lombo getting more starts at 2nd against RH pitching.

Terrance is fine, and he thanks you personally for coming out to the game. There was only one serious wave that I noticed in the four opening games, and that was Saturday well into Jackson's start, and, really, the result was not in question. I won't say it was boring but…

1st base, I was thinking the same thing but only if, and only if, Ankiel wanted to do it. You have to think from time to time he airs it out in the pen; who wouldn't with that arm? Last thing you would want to do is mess with his head.

Anonymous said… I was at the game last night and actually witnessed Ankiel's remarkable "no-hop" throw home from center field. It was a "thing of beauty" and made me feel great that I witnessed it, in person!Since you are Anonymous, it's like you weren't there…

Long before he was a Nat, I always admired Ankiel for the way he re-oriented his career, and overcame some of the issues he suffered growing up.Ironic that Rick should have positon player recognition for the accuracy of his arm, given that control wasn't something that he was able to conquer as a pitcher.Now if he could just start consistently hitting the ball for base hits.

MicheleS, here's a transcript of Strasburg's interview: "Just the way they were kind of checking on some pitches and stuff. Typically kind of the hitter does something a little different on some pitches, and when they know its coming they obviously look very comfortable in there. That’s something I’m going to have to look at on the film and if I am doing it, I know how to fix it. It was more when guys would get in scoring position that I felt like they definitely were kind of seeing pitches a little differently. I don’t think I was throwing any pitches worse or with different kind of movement, but they definitely seemed a little bit more comfortable with guys on second base."

Atlee said… I sit in sec. 113, and Terrance gets old fast when he's prancing back and forth directly in front of you most of the game.I shouldn't have gotten on Terrance. He threw me a t-shirt once. It's the only time I get new underwear…

I have to agree on this one. I'm sure he's a nice guy and he's nothing if not consistent. But Terrance can be a bit much, and that's coming from the 200s where we can't even hear him. Atlee said…I sit in sec. 113, and Terrance gets old fast when he's prancing back and forth directly in front of you most of the game.

- my family likes the wave and I'm proud of it. (20,000 people working together to have some fun is not a bad thing)Fine. Do the wave between innings, not during play. The wave distracts people's attention from the game – spectators as well as players. There's nothing wrong with minor distractions taking place in the stands during play – it's not Wimbledon, after all, as someone said – but organized distractions involving thousands of people are inappropriate. It's the same reason they don't run the Presdidents Race or play any of Clint's stupid games during play.- Terrance is awesome (Clint not so much) – not only does he help get the crowd going, he works very hard – commendable.If he's really the one responsible for starting the wave during play – and not just during play, at critical moments during play – then it doesn't matter how hard he works. He's an idiot. He should be fired.

Not sure if it was mentioned yet, Nady made an over the shoulder catch running towards the wall in LF that was another key play.Where Nady doesn't excel is the balls hit to his glove side toward left-center.Leftfield is a premium offensive position. Morse won't be back for at least another 5 to 6 weeks. The Nats have to solve that hole. I am surprised Bernadina is back to a bench guy as he gives you more tools than Nady and DeRosa and is hitting better than DeRosa against RH pitching. The Shark still isn't the answer, just marginally better I think than the other 2 and yes, get Lombo some time in LF too while he is swinging the bat well.

Doc, I'm with you on this one. If Ankiel could bring his hitting up to league median for CF (.264) and keep from getting injured, he would be the everyday centerfielder. We need that more on this team than another LHP. He hit well in ST and his rehabs. Davey said he was more "relaxed" at the plate than he'd ever seen him. So just bring that hitting forward to the season, that would be great.No, I don't think he's airing out that precious arm in the bullpen and risking injury. (I've never seen him there, but that's not conclusive.)Also, I notice he hangs with the outfielders.

- my family likes the wave and I'm proud of it. (20,000 people working together to have some fun is not a bad thing)- Terrance is awesome (Clint not so much) – not only does he help get the crowd going, he works very hard – commendable.- I like the girl cheerleaders too. Lighten up.Good for you. And lighten up is right. I don't much care for the wave myself (seems so 1990s, and looks alot better in oval football stadiums) but the amount of hate it inspires is ridiculous. I was particularly disappointed to see Zuck call out Terrance on Twitter last night for starting the wave. As if there's something wrong with the team cheerleader trying to encourage the crowd to have fun and enjoy themselves at the game. Sheesh.

Section 222 said… If only Schafer had tried to score, we would have been looking at one of the plays of the year. My seats are right behind home plate in 314. That was a thing of beauty to watch. Worth the price of admission right there.So now all you guys are saying what section you were sitting in? I was on a mission last night to meet some of us folks, and I only knew where sjm308 was sitting (I stopped by, and we had a fun meet-n-greet-n-chat). I was in 310.As far as the wave goes, I'm not fond of it, but I realize it has it's purpose — my 17 yr old daughter found it fun and entertaining, and anything that helps a non-baseball-expert enjoy her experience at the ballpark is useful. At the end of the game (in part because the Nats one *and* because she got a ball after she snuck down to the field level seats) she told us after the game that she had a really good time (yay), and that we should come again tonight (can't).(Last year she attended about 5 Nats games, all of which the Nats lost)

You guys have completely changed my position on the wave. I hate it personally, but maybe I'm just being a grumpy old man who likes baseball a certain way. If the kids like it and they have fun and want to come back, that's the most important thing. Same thing applies to the President's Race, I guess. Now if we can just do something about the people standing in the aisles during pitches.

Just thinking Rizzo needs to upgrade as much as he can in LF until Morse is back, and yes, I would definitely consider Lombo get as much playing time between LF and 2nd base to show us all if he can be an everyday player. I agree that 1 game doesn't define a season but lets see what he can do playing nearly every day.I think Lombo needs to take the bulk of the starts at 2nd against RH pitching, again to see if he is an upgrade over Espi.When Espi tried to blame the batter's eye for his problem batting LH in Viera, that may have been partially to blame but the facts are LH this season his K% is 27.3% and he is batting .152 w/ a .293 OBP. Danny's small sample size on RH batting is great but only 3 ABs.

P2P, good stats. Since Mark doesn't do his series previews any more, I find that LaRoche stat to be very relevant.Also agree now is the time to see if Lombo is a stud and play him everyday between 2nd and LF.Espi's swing and miss in the 2 hole is a problem especially with Zim heating up and Desi en fuego.

Radio: I couldn't get any reception on 1580 last night in Fairfax County (Burke) all the way up 395 into the District. It was drowned out by a stronger signal from another station. I finally put on MLB audio on my cell, but that cuts out (routinely) around the Pentagon/Memorial bridge.Is there another station in that long list that has some reception in Northern Virginia?

I don't really have a problem with the wave. And really, if people really like doing it, fine. But the wave started in the bottom of the six inning when Strasburg was in the mix of the most important part of the game and it was distracting…As for my trolling, okay…

Just got back from the Potomac taking space shuttle photos and posting them on Facebook, so apologies for being late here.But, Oh. My. God. I've never seen a throw like that in my life. When I saw the fly ball, I said a bad word to Cunegonde, followed by, "That brings a run in…" And then I realized it was Ankiel. From section 219, when the ball was at the top of its arc, you could see it was going to hit Ramos right in the chest.It was the most perfect throw, ever.Everyone around me was laughing out loud when it hit Ramos, because when you see something like that, utterly unbelievable and utterly unexpected and utterly delightful, all you can do is laugh for the sheer joy of having seen it."Have a good evening!" an usher commanded as we left. "Thanks, we already did!" I replied.

I sit in 110 most games but rewards points and supplemental purchases take me all around. I've been directly in front of Terrance enough times that he might even recognize me on the street and I rather enjoy his work. I never noticed him starting the wave but if Mark says he did, then he did. I'm not big on that. I do consider myself a serious baseball fan but I don't take myself or the game too seriously. I'm not unduly distracted by the wave for a few of rounds. I recommend you take a few minutes out from the game periodically to watch the faces of the kids, students, and parents anticipating the next wave – its pretty cool. (Now on the other hand, the people who get up mid at bat and block everybody's view while cluelessly making their way to the concessions are pretty iritating.)

Admittedly, a small sample size, but here are a couple of Nats' hitting stats through the first ten games:On the plus side—-2nd in MLB in walks (45)–8th in MLB in OBP (.334)The negative—-1st in LOB (90, or 9 per game)–4th in SO

I like the wave just fine – it's part of the silly happy that is a baseball game – but when it breaks up on the shoals when there are only about 10,000 people in the stands, it can be rather sad. Nats should institute a policy banning anyone from starting a wave until there's been an announcement that the paid attendance is over 25,000, on pain of having to catch a 310-foot Ankiel mortar shell barehanded.

On the wave.. It can get annoying when I can't see the game play, but for the most part, I ignore and quietly protest when other's start harrassing me for not participating.Also agree on people getting up in the middle of play to go to the concessions… ugh.

Sofa, very true, I believe UNTerp explained his name a while back and shouldn't have to do so every day.I don't mind the Anons, and I hope JayB is not gone for good. I regard JayB as "critical" rather than "negative" and he makes good points. Sorry if peric and Bold-Anon are the same person because I like them both. There is an anon who makes one-line posts (e.g., "Bernadina would have caught that double in the 11th.") Those really make me think and I'm glad for them.As for people who think I post too much, well, it comes in spurts… I try to put up stats and links if I can because I know some people are following from work and don't have time to be chasing around.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said… UN Terp's not anonymous, we know who he is. Lots of people in here know one another personally. It's a nickname. But there are some legit posters using anonymous. April 17, 2012 11:47 AM That's very true. We had a big get together of NI's in Spring Training this year. The only one close to Anonymous I ever met on here was Anonymous8 in Spring Training this year because he was sitting with NatsJack and introduced himself.He doesn't post much as I don't either. At least we can identify him as A8. Its a handle. An identifier. For all we know there are 50 different Anonymous people posting. Some are kind enough to sign their names at the bottom like DFH21.

Boz is brining it in the WaPO Chat today:I love the professional idiot comment.Q:StrasburgI love watching this guy pitch, am retired so was able to travel around and catch many of his minor league performances. However, it bothers me no end to hear Schilling and others say that it is "inevitable" his shoulder will break down sooner rather than later, unless he alters his pitching motion. He has to be aware of these comments. Has he discounted them or is he taking steps to allay these concerns? – April 17, 2012 9:29 AM PermalinkA.Thomas Boswell :He's aware of it all. He thinks there is (a lot) more danger in changing the mechanics that have worked all your life.On TV, Schilling is a professional idiot. These days, that's a lucrative and well-established career path and he's following it admirably. What annoys me is not their opinions; they may prove correct in this case. It's their fake certainty. And that's all it is __a sane but unprovable opinion that is amped up to fake certainty to get more attention.

Kudos to the person who pointed out early on in ST that Stammen looked beefed up and ready to make a run at it. I think the quote was "Larger in butt and legs"As Tom Seaver used to preach (and he taught it to Nolan Ryan) the secret to power is in the legs.

Thanks for that, MicheleS.Predicting with certainty that a certain event will occur at an unspecified time is the oldest commentary trick in the book. If you're right, you look like a genius. If you're wrong, you can just keep pointing out that it still might happen, and by the time the window has closed (in this case, Strasburg's career) too much time has passed and nobody cares enough to call you on it. It's editorializing for people who don't have real opinions.

Would Espinosa consider giving up switch-hitting from the left side? I guess a decision like that always rests with the player. Didn't Nook Logan give it up at some point? (Not that it helped in any way.)

A DC Wonk said… Kudos to the person who pointed out early on in ST that Stammen looked beefed up and ready to make a run at it. I think the quote was "Larger in butt and legs"As Tom Seaver used to preach (and he taught it to Nolan Ryan) the secret to power is in the legs. April 17, 2012 12:43 PM ___________________________You are correct and that is what Detwiler has to learn. The off-season is so important for getting some rest and then getting back on adding muscle. Same thing Lannan did before the 2011 season.Billy Wagner is a small guy and he said that about himself that his power all comes from his lower body.

Also the Masters. :-)UNTERP said… Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said… Not a wave fan, but baseball isn't Wimbledon, either. Now, I would definitely be a fan of the wave at Wimbledon… April 17, 2012 10:44 AM

It was inevitable that a fat boy like Schilling would blow out a tendon supporting that weight. Sadly, he had a performance-enhancing physician staple his ankle back together without considering the benefits of also stapling his mouth.

Count me against the wave (again). It's one thing in football, where there are plenty of moments of complete non-action. It's another thing during a key situation. I'm still wondering if Strasburg wasn't distracted by it – it happened during the first two at-bats in the sixth, when he gave up the no-out singles to Schafer and Lowrie.I wasn't aware that Terrance started it (maybe I missed that – I was watching from my regular seat in 208) – but he sure was egging it on. To me, just one more part of the Nats' amateurish marketing – "Oh, we're so sorry that baseball is boring, we'd get rid of it completely if we weren't, you know, a baseball club, but we'll make sure you don't have to watch it or enjoy it or know anything about it…"Getting off soapbox… but just for now…

I'm with FeelWood on timing of the wave.DC Wonk, fwiw, I seem to recall that sec 222 posted his location last night (it was in the 300s if memory serves), but it must have been after you signed off.Last but not least, hope you got some good pics, Candide. I was going to park along the Potomac and watch for it, but got a late start because I misplaced my keys (I hate when that happens). Found another set and was heading north on Route 1 just a little before 10. I'm sitting at a red light and all of sudden I see the 747, shuttle, and escort jet overhead. I'm yelling OMG, that is [extremely] awesome. I look over the the guy in the car next to me is looking up and doing the same. Then we made eye contact and grinned. My husband drove over the the Udvar-Hazy (he works out that way) and evidently got lots of good pics.

http://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/4/17/2954996/john-wall-washington-wizards-charity-gamesGonat said…You are correct and that is what Detwiler has to learn. The off-season is so important for getting some rest and then getting back on adding muscle. April 17, 2012 1:26 PM Interesting point you brought up. This article on John Wall above questions playing basketball during the off-season vs. working out. I was concerned that HenRod, Ramos and Flores played too much during the off-season and had very little rest from the time Winter League ended to the time Pitchers & Catchers had to report.

Oh, is it already time for my annual "leave me alone" post? Nah, probably not. :-)Anonymous said… Not only does natsfan1a post too much, natsfan1a needs to learn not to include the entirety of whatever post natsfan1a is commenting on every time natsfan1a posts. Which BTW is too much. April 17, 2012 1:36 PM

It's a taste/style/culture thing, a perception. The casual fans don't see a baseball game like it's a movie, where standing up in front of someone is considered rude–it's more like a concert at a pop music club, where people get up and down and come and go all the time.

Back to talking about "the throw" and away from throwing stones at other posters —– When you watch a replay of it, you don't even see the throw, the camera people were completely clueless and were actually covering home base waiting for the run and the play at home. It's only after you watch the that first replay that you start getting other angles and seeing it. Attention camera guys– follow the game and if Ankiel is throwing – make sure you film it. Re: in-game entertainment – fun at minor league games. I don't particularly like it at NatsPark but realize that a lot of people are just there to hang out and it entertains them. I think the wave is annoying during the game because it blocks my view. I also don't like it when people try to pressure you to join in. I will let you amuse yourself if you let me watch the game. I have to realize I take the game more seriously than a lot of people do and we also want casual fans and kids to enjoy the experience. Can we co-exist? I think so.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa, its this new breed of bandwagon fans. Saturday's game was the largest walk-up crowd ever for a Nats game. The news reported 6.500 walk-up tickets but they actually sold 9,000 if you include the online purchases. Most of those fans were the bandwagon types.

It was a great throw. But, I am glad Zuckerman mentioned the mis-play – it was worse than the throw was great. Ankiel's great arm is a luxury. He needs to use his legs and his glove much more than he needs to show off his arm. I don't care what the official scorer called it this morning, it was a bad jump on a ball he needs to catch.

By the way…..the wave has no business in any sporting event attended by knowledgeable sport fans in any sport. It most definitely signafies a complete lack of interest in the product on the field.Can you imagine a wave taking place at a St. Louis Cardinals game?

Needs to catch, agree completely, as I'm sure he would. But that was a very hard hit ball, right at him. Lots of really good center fielders have misplayed those. He's actually in the worst seat in the house for seeing "how far is that one going?" As discussed previously. Tough play. Since he normally gets a pretty good jump, and it didn't cost a game, I'm inclined to overlook it this time. Which must make Rick feel so relieved.

Why can't we all just get along??Can you imagine what this would be like if we were 3-8?Like others, I miss JayB and I also enjoy Peric's baseball commentary. I don't always agree but both make you think and bring a lot. I can always do without the sarcasm/mean spirited stuff but that's just me. I am also in the camp that even though we will never meet 90% of the posters we still have an idea of who is saying what. I also realize anyone can post as anyone which would defeat that purpose as well but people, its a baseball blog! The anon camp is solidly behind not disclosing even a nickname and we will not change that but I still like knowing when its natsjack or unterp or sofa in his various new forms. Erik, I understand that Ankiel's throw yesterday was classic. I just loved watching the entire play last year. Werth dove for the ball, missed, Ankiel was backing up and it had rolled all the way to the right-center fence. I believe it was Reyes but it certainly was someone fast and he had just cruised around 2nd and was easing into 3rd when BAM! there was the ball! I honestly think that throw was even farther then last night and we will just have to disagree on which is better but they certainly both were great.Also thought he should have had an error on the linedrive but it was a tough play.I now actually can recognize one member of NatsInsider (go Wonk) and I explained to my group that if they ever needed help with parabola's this was the man to see. I also let Wonk know that I actually pay these guys to sit with me.Great fun last night and I can't wait for Thursday!!(20 game package is heavy on early season games)Go Nats!

Gonat, from my vantage point early on Saturday, I wouldn't consider the middle aged guys grabbing bobbleheads bandwagon fans, more like scavengers. The 9,000 was more like 8,900 bandwagon + 100 scavengers.

Anonymous said… It was a great throw. But, I am glad Zuckerman mentioned the mis-play – it was worse than the throw was great. Ankiel's great arm is a luxury. He needs to use his legs and his glove much more than he needs to show off his arm. I don't care what the official scorer called it this morning, it was a bad jump on a ball he needs to catch. April 17, 2012 1:55 PM _________________________________I agree with that, plus he sheepishly jogged after the ball after he missed it. Mattheus didn't deserve that Earned Run against his record.

Gonat, we're going to have to get used to it. We want the team to draw well, and to do that, they have to get new people who weren't coming before, and those people are going to be casual fans, if at all, of the game itself. That's just how it is. It takes a really long time, and probably some pretty specific conditions, to build a large, knowledgeable fan base, and even then, it's bound to be pretty diverse in opinions of how to watch a ball game. So we are going to have to get used to it, or else sit in front so they don't block the views.

I'd much prefer a packed stadium full of bandwagoners doing the wave and having a great time, then a game played in front of knowledgable, intimate crowd of the 9,000 of us who watched the games on MASN back in 2007. And if Strasburg was actually distracted by the wave, then …. Nah, no way he was distracted by the wave so I won't even say it. At basketball games, people seated behind the baseline try to distract someone at the free throw line. Same with placekickers in football, and a very loud crowd can make it hard for the opposing team to hear the quarterback's count. But in baseball, what's the effect of crowd noise? We cheer and go crazy when Zim is up with the bases loaded in a tie game. And we cheer and go crazy when H-Rod has two strikes on someone in the bottom of the ninth. The Phans do the same in Philly when we're there. So is loud noise and people on their feet cheering and clapping good for the pitcher or the batter?? Hmmmmmm.

Not only does natsfan1a post too much, natsfan1a needs to learn not to include the entirety of whatever post natsfan1a is commenting on every time natsfan1a posts. Which BTW is too much.Speaking of too much . . . ahem. There are a lot of anonymous postings, no?But, in any event, Mr (or Ms) Anonymous, let me introduce you to the down arrow on your keyboard, so you can skip the stuff you deem annoying. It's to the right of the letters.

I just want to make one last comment, since the ANON angst was pointed against me specifically. First thank all of you defenders of free speech and Mark for allowing me and we to post here.The ANON is right, I am sarcastic, and I do use this as my soapbox. He or she is very perceptive and insightful. But more than anything I am sanctimonious and I definitely have an edge to my commentary. You are right.At the same time, I am not always sarcastic but this is my general way of communicating. The ANON seems to think I came down on him or her and rightfully let me have it back. I was attempting to be humorous, and you know it, but as Feel Wood once corrected me you seized the opportunity (Cease the Opportunity=UNTERP) to attack me, good. As for the Terrance comment, I really wasn't trying to be sarcastic about the underwear and him tossing me a t-shirt. If you saw my t-shirt drawer, I literally wouldn't have any new t-shirts if it wasn't for the giveaways, and I felt remorse for attacking Terrance. You don't bite the hand that feeds you. Enough said…

I believe it was Reyes but it certainly was someone fast and he had just cruised around 2nd and was easing into 3rd when BAM! there was the ball! It was Reyes. One of my favorite plays of the year, mostly because Reyes went absolutely ballistic after being called out. Replays showed he was right, but it was still a great throw.

My T shirt drawer is full of giveaway shirts, but none of them came from Terrance. So I certainly don't feel bad saying he should be fired for starting the wave during play. Perhaps he could become this year's version of that usher who used to do his interpretive dance to Sweet Caroline on top of the dugout, until enough fan outrage forced management to Patterson him.

FS – it was last year, don't have the exact date but Erik and I both love Ankiel's arm and were politely arguing about which throw was better. He liked last night, I liked last year. Neither of us disliked anything which is great. I think Sec 222 linked it, which of course I am incapable of doing until I meet with 1a. Problem is, she is always posting and probably won't have time for me. That was a joke people. I already am avoiding blatchebooing anon and the beer pouring and don't want any other negativity.Go Nats!!

I honestly hate posting so many times and thanks to Sec 222 but I just looked at that link and that is NOT the play I remember. It was to right center, Werth dove, missed the ball and Ankiel backing him up fired it from the fence all the way to 3rd in the air. We all know that I am suffering from o.l.d. but I am fairly positive this play did occur.

All last year Ankiel saved a ton of runs just with the threat of throwing from center. Last night he demonstrated why they often don't even try to test him. I hope he stays the everyday guy in center until the prodigy arrives. He hits as well as Bernie, defends a little better (despite last night's error) and has the rifle arm that Bernie doesn't have.

Gonat said…Soul Possession, PFB Sofa, its this new breed of bandwagon fans. Saturday's game was the largest walk-up crowd ever for a Nats game. The news reported 6.500 walk-up tickets but they actually sold 9,000 if you include the online purchases. Most of those fans were the bandwagon types.Don't be too hard on the casual fans and the bandwagon fans. They pay the bills. You're never going to draw 30,000 hardcore baseball fans every night, but if the team's winning and the experience is fun, you can draw big crowds.That said, anyone instigating a wave during a critical moment in the game should be shipped to Gitmo without possibility of parole.

Bandwagon fans are a downer for me. While I can appreciate they are helping the teams economy, the wave and other annoying clicky things.I stopped attending Caps games because all of the bandwagon stupidity. They yell during the Star Spangled Banner "O" and "Red" which really ticks me off and the chants and horn blasts are just too rehearsed. It just reminds me too much of my days in a fraternity which was okay when I was 20. They don't know the red line from the blue line and really don't care. The money being flashed at Caps games blows away anything seen at any of the other local sporting events. $175 for a lower level seat vs. $40 for a corner lower level seat at Nats Park is much more enjoyable. No wave with my seat please. Down in front.

I was in Section 311 last night; great place to view Ankiel's throw. If you were there you probably heard me – I view baseball as a participatory sport. So I yell helpful suggestions or observations ("that was not a very good pitch" after the Astro starter bounced a pitch). Based on another web site's traditions, a mound visit from the Nationals' pitching coach is a "McChatty," and I announce it accordingly. No profanity or personal attacks – it's all in good fun :)But for Ankiel's throw, I just cheered. No words were necessary!

Can we talk about the games, please – people sure are being testy! One thing I absolutely, positively cannot stand is people yelling O during the national anthem. This is NOT BalMer and it's disrespectful. I would not do a nats kind of thing in anyone else's park. By the way, had some relatives that are Phans down for a game. Apparently THEY don't have ANY of that GAUCHE kind of fan thing at THEIR ballpark. THEY take things much too SERIOUSLY for that. I really don't want to become like them….

baseballswami said… One thing I absolutely, positively cannot stand is people yelling O during the national anthem. This is NOT BalMer and it's disrespectful. I would not do a nats kind of thing in anyone else's park. April 17, 2012 3:31 _____________________________________I think those are "O" from the Caps fans, not Whorioles fans, why would they be at a Nats game? I noticed it on Saturday for the 1st time in a long time. Luckily it was almost drowned out. I saw many Capitals caps at the game. Again, bandwagon fans.Has anyone seen today's lineup? Seems that it should be online by now. Wonder if Davey is re-contemplating.

natsfan1a said…Last but not least, hope you got some good pics, Candide. Click on my avatar, then click on "Nails on Blackboards" to get to my blog and the half-decent shots I got (I did not post the half-indecent ones). Warning: Blog contains snarky political/social/current events commentary at the approximate polar opposite of FergusonFoont's opinions on same (whose baseball opinions I respect nonetheless…).

While I doubt very much that the bandwagon fans have any part in this, one positive difference I've seen in the crowds this year is that many of them will join in and sustain the "let's go Nats!" cheer or rhythmic clapping at the right time (e.g. two strike pitches) without prompting from the PA.Last year (except for a very few games like against the Cards in that great six run comeback in May) and before, people were either too busy texting or chatting with their friends to ever bother to cheer the team. The only people I could get to join me in a "let's go Nats" cheer were the little twin girls in the ST holder family in the row behind us.Makes me feel we're starting to get a real fan base.

LOL, I'll always have time for you, sjm. :-)sjm308 said… FS – it was last year, don't have the exact date but Erik and I both love Ankiel's arm and were politely arguing about which throw was better. He liked last night, I liked last year. Neither of us disliked anything which is great. I think Sec 222 linked it, which of course I am incapable of doing until I meet with 1a. Problem is, she is always posting and probably won't have time for me. That was a joke people. I already am avoiding blatchebooing anon and the beer pouring and don't want any other negativity. Go Nats!! April 17, 2012 2:42 PM

Your total number of comments in a thread is greater than all the Anonymous comments put together.Why, thank you. I was beginning to think you were scrolling past me. I go to a lot of trouble to keep up the pace, and it's nice to see someone is noticing. Makes me warm in several places.

I hate The Wave. I hate it at baseball, football, hockey and basketball games. I'm not going to participate in it, and I'm not going to pay attention to it. But I respect the fact that others enjoy it. So be it.However, the worst was the crowd getting a wave going at FedEx WHEN THE REDSKINS HAD THE BALL! Stupid. So, if others want to do it, fine. Just try to do it when it will not hurt the home team? Please?